Tag Archives: Accessories

The Red Versatile Marc Jacobs Tote Bag for Spring

04/02/2024 Shirley

Red is my all-time favorite color for accessories and nails. When it comes to purchasing red handbags and shoes, I prefer a bright red color. In recent years, I’ve been looking for a new red handbag, but I couldn’t find the exact red color I wanted.

The other day I came across Marc Jacobs’ Small Leather Tote bag in True Red color online. The red color known in the retail site seemed a little bit darker than I usually prefer, but I love the size and the design. I decided to give it a try.

When the handbag arrived at my home, I was very happy with the bag and the red color. It’s a perfect handbag for everyday use. And the bag is perfect for vacation too.

Below are some of the reasons I liked my new Marc Jacobs’ leather tote bag.

The Marc Jacobs’ Small Leather Tote bag has a perfect size (8″H x 10.25″W x 5.25″D). It gives me just enough room for everything I need, without looking like I am going grocery shopping. The bag stays in shape. I can easily find my wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, lipstick and hand lotion.

The Marc Jacob’s Small Leather tote bag is versatile. It comes with a removable strap. I can hold the bag in my hand, put in on my shoulder, or wear it as a cross-body bag

The price of this Marc Jacobs leather tote is more affordable than the other designer brands I looked at.

If there’s anything I wished I could have changed on this bag, it would be adding four studs on the button of the tote bag. Without the studs to protect the button of the tote bag, I’d need to be a bit mindful on where I lay the bag down. I have several pet peeves when it comes to using any of my handbags. I never ever put them directly on the ground, no matter where I go.

This Marc Jacobs Leather Tote bag came in several sizes and colors. If you like a summer color, you could consider getting the bag in pink, light purple, or white.

All Posts, Fashion, Lifestyle

How a Small Gadget Can Change Our Behaviors

08/13/2021 Shirley

It has been over 10 years since I wore a wrist watch on a regular basis. I didn’t like how a watch looked and felt when it tucked under my long sleeves. And I didn’t like the sound of the watch band scratching against my desk when I worked. If I needed to look for time, I could always rely on my phone.

After staying home without much exercise in the past year, I wanted to start doing some simple exercises at home every day. And I needed a way to keep track of how much I moved each day.

The Apple Watch seemed like a good solution to my problem. After doing some online browsing on different versions of current Apple watches, I bought an Apple Watch Series 6 in gold aluminum case.

(This is my new Apple Watch Series 6 with a pink preve crystal case.)

Today is only my second day using my new Apple Watch. I am surprised how quickly it already changed my behaviors in many ways.

First, adaptation. After not wearing any watches for over 10 years I didn’t need any time to learn to rely on my wrist watch for the time. This morning I was sipping on my coffee and wanted to know what time it was. Without thinking about where I could get the time, I automatically raised my arm to look at my watch. It wasn’t until I found out the time that I realized how quickly I adapted to the convenience of having the time literally on my wrist.

Second, motivation. After setting up my daily activity goals on my Apple Watch. I started to check the progress I made throughout the day. The idea of reaching my daily goals became my motivation to exercise.

Third, persistence. The Apple Watch is not perfect, and it won’t detect all the subtle exercise movements I made. However, this minor functionality shortcoming doesn’t discourage me from using the watch. I will do a short cardio exercise just to get the app on the watch to make the progress on achieving my daily goals.

The idea of working extra hard to get the app on the watch to show the progress on my movement more accurately seems silly. After all, what’s the point of getting a gadget that doesn’t paint the accurate picture or function correctly?

Well, I understand there’s some limitations on the accuracy of the devices like Apple Watch. For me, the point of getting the Apple Watch was to encourage myself to exercise regularly. If the watch can help me make positive change for my health, I think it’s money well spent.

In conclusion, I am happy I bought the new Apple Watch. It’s a small gadget, but it already changed my behaviors in many positive ways.

All Posts, Fashion, Travel

Personalize The Iconic Louis Vuitton Leather Goods

11/27/2017 Shirley

When you buy a fashion accessory, nothing is more thrilling than being able to personalize your item to suit your style and make it a unique piece.

I am a long-time fan of Louis Vuitton’s leather goods. For years, the only kind of personalization I have done for my handbags was hot stamping them with my initials. But on my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I did something I’ve never done before; which was to customize a new handbag with colorful patches of my choices.

What do I mean by customizing a handbag with colorful patches? This is actually a new personalization service Louis Vuitton offers recently (Summer 2017), called “My LV World Tour”. This personalization service is available on Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram Canvas items and can only be ordered in some designated Louis Vuitton stores.

(Front of My New Monogram Neverfull Noir)

The process of ordering the “My LV World Tour” leather goods is all done electronically in the designated Louis Vuitton stores. The SA (Sales Associate) will bring an electronic pad and ask you to pick a Monogram Canvas item you’d like to get. Then, you can decide on which of the “My LV World Tour” patches you’d like to put on your product.

There are five different patch groups: Cities, LV Heritage, Grand Hotels, Make It Your Own, and LV Pop. Each patch group has twelve patches. (See the patch sample in the bottom of this blog post.)

You can choose up to ten patches to put on your Monogram Canvas product: five patches on the front and five patches on the back. Each patch you choose can only be used once. If you already choose a patch on the front of your product, you can’t use it again on the back.

After you finish designing your personalized “My LV World Tour” leather goods, the SA will show you the markups of your product. Once you finalize the order, it may take up to six weeks for the product to be completed. The finished product will be sent to the Louis Vuitton store you order the item from, and the SA will contact you for pick-up or shipping.

(Back of My New Monogram Neverfull Noir)

For “My LV World Tour” personalization service I chose a Monogram Neverfull Noir. This Monogram Neverfull Noir design is kind of like a hybrid of the Neverfull in the classic Monogram and the Neverfull in the Damier Ebene. The classic Neverfull Monogram comes with natural color leather handles and trim, but the Neverful Damier Ebene comes with brown leather handles and trim. Based on my years of experience using the Neverful Damier Ebene in the past, a brown leather handle and trim is essential.

(Interior of My New Monogram Neverfull Noir)

The only thing I have to do now is to wait for my personalized Monogram Neverfull Noir bag to be done!

My LV World Tour Patches

Cities

LV Heritage

Grand Hotels

Make It Your Own

LV Pop

Check out my open box video on my personalized LV World Tour Neverfull Bag

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Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Rose Angelique

01/29/2014 Shirley

The Louis Vuitton Alma BB has been very popular since it was introduced in several lines (such as Vernis and Epi) and colors (from yellow, red, to blue) more than a year ago. My latest favorite is the new Alma BB in Vernis in a new shade, Rose Angelique. Rose Angelique is a light pink color; it’s almost like something in between a subtle pink and beige. The hue looks different based on the light in the environment. The first time I saw it in the Louis Vuitton store, it totally caught my attention. It’s petite and shinning, especially when placed next to my other favorite Vernis color, Pomme D’Amour (red).

The Vernis in Rose Angelique reminds me of the Rose Florentin that Louis Vuitton debuted in the Winter of 2010. Both colors are light pink (lighter than the Rose Velours that came out a while ago). Without looking at the color of Rose Florentin, one might mistakenly think that Louis Vuitton has brought back its discontinued Vernis color.

Luckily, I have a French Wallet in Rose FLorentin Vernis I bought in 2010. I compared it with my new Zippy Coin in Rose Florentin. It turned out that both colors are very similar. Rose Florentin is just slightly darker than Rose Angelique. (See the comparison pictures I took below for the color difference.)

Now, we know that the new Venis color is similar to the one-time offering Rose Florentin Louis Vuitton had in the past, but how does it benefit you? Well, if you missed the chance to buy the Alma PM bag (bigger than petite Alma BB) in the fancy Rose Florentin three years ago, here is your opportunity now. Rose Angelique is available in both Alma BB and Alma PM. Also, in 2010, Alma BB wasn’t available in Rose Florentin. If you really liked the Alma BB and Rose FLorentin back then, you were out of luck! Now, you are in luck. You can have the combination of both Alma BB and Rose Angelique. Who says that you can’t have your cake and eat it, too!

Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique and Rose Florentin — Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique (left) and Rose Florentin (right) – picture taken in natural day light

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Jimmy Choo Spring 2013 Sale is Now On

06/03/2013 Shirley

It’s the time for Jimmy Choo’s sale for Spring collection. If you missed the pre-sale last week, don’t miss the official sale which started on Saturday, June 1. The sale is available online as well as in-store. Selected Spring products from both women and men shoes, handbags, and accessories are now available at 30% off original prices.

Jimmy Choo is one of my favorite brands for shoes. I am constantly looking for any sales on Jimmy Choo. Both Nordstrom (save up to 40%) and Neiman Marcus (save up to 33%) are having a sale on Jimmy Choo shoes. However, the items on sale are quite limited.

I have to admit that shopping on Jimmy Choo’s web site is a lot of fun. I feel like a little girl going into a big candy store while I am going through the pictures of the sale items. There are three shoes showcased in each row. While I scan through each row I get excited from the anticipation of waiting to see what items will appear next. There are more selections available if you get on the site early enough when the sale begins.

I couldn’t resist the temptation of Jimmy Choo’s famous Lance strappy sandals, especially when I see them on sale in tangerine metallic watersnake. What can be more gorgeous than wearing this pair of Lance with a white or yellow dress during the day and a simple black dress at night in Summer time?

If you like Jimmy Choo’s Lola in floral printed python, featured in the Spring Summer ad campaign and mentioned in my post Print is the Fashion Trend for Spring 2013, you are in luck! It’s on sale for $1,001 (originally $1,495).

If you like Jimmy Choo, make sure you don’t miss the sale on Jimmy Choo’s web site, and Nordstrom. Enjoy your shopping!

Jimmy Choo Lance in Tangerine Watersnake — Jimmy Choo – Lance in Tangerine Watersnake

Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump — Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python

Jimmy Choo - Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric — Jimmy Choo – Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric

Beauty

Perfume is Part of My Fashion Outfit

03/29/2013 Shirley

Christian Dior once said “perfume, like your clothes, can so much express your personality; and you can change your perfume with your mood.”* This summarizes my opinion about perfume. To me, perfume is like my clothes and bags; I like to wear different ones each day. And the choice of my outfit has a lot to do with what kind of mood I am in.

I’d say no outfit is complete without an ideal perfume. When I put on a fragrance, I like to pick the scent that matches the style of my clothes. For example, when I am in a laid-back mode, I like to wear casual outfits, such as a simple dress or pair of jeans with flat shoes, and put on Floral by Gucci or Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna. If I feel like dressing up a bit, I might wear a cocktail dress at night and put on Gucci Premiere for a glam and sexy look or Valentina by Valentino for a ladylike and polished look. And, if I am wearing clothes designed by Marc Jacob I’d use Marc Jacob’s Daisy or Marc Jacob Eau de Parfum.

I love fragrances and I am especially fond of floral, fruity, woody, and sometimes spicy scents. However, the particulat fragrance I put on depends on how I feel and what I wear each day.

My mood spices up the moment I spray on one of my favorite scents. I like to put them on my neck and wrists. The best thing about putting a scent on my wrists is that it will last for hours and I can smell it during the day to remind me the happy mood I was in when I put it on earlier.

My latest new favorite perfume is Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford. It’s a richer and darker blend compared to most of my fragrances. I could surround myself in this scent all day and won’t get tired of it!

Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum $205 (1.7 oz), $280 (3.4 oz.)

Buy Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum from Neiman Marcus — Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum

Floral by Gucci

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabbana

Floral by Gucci (left) $90

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna (right) $82 – $103

(Dior, Christian. “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior, p.86)

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Orange is the New Neutral for Spring 2013

03/14/2013 Shirley

Orange has always been one of my all-time favorite colors. I love clothes and accessories in orange regardless of what season it is. In Fall and Winter I love to pair orange with shades of brown, and in Spring and Summer I like to pair orange with lighter colors. I am delighted to see that orange will be a great base color this season to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit. I picked some of my favorite items in the new neutral color for you to consider.

Handbags

Fendi 2Jours Elite Leather Shopper

2Jours Elite is one of Fendi’s iconic bags. This bag in orange is perfect for day and night.

Louis Vuitton Alma PM in Epi

Louis Vuitton’s Alma PM is one of my all-time favorite bags. This bag in Epi reminds me of the orange Alma PM Louis Vuitton launched in Monogram Vernis for last Spring. They are both nice.

Salvatore Ferragamo Icona Gancini Wallet

This wallet in lava (a new color launched for spring) is a perfect accessory for many handbags, such as Saint Laurent Cabas Medium Y Ligne Tote Bag in Natural and Valentino Rockstud Double Handle Tote Bag in Beige.

Shoes

Jimmy Choo Abel in Tangerine

This pair of shoes is great for both day and night. It looks good with a pair of white pants during the day and a pair of dark jeans or black pants in the evening.

Prada Studded Slingback Sandal

Studded shoes will stay in vogue until at least this Spring 2013. This pair of orange studded sandals will look great with dresses such as Bustier-Detail Eyelet Dress from Burberry Brit.

Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal

Rene Caovilla shoes have become some of my new favorites. This sandal with the crystals on the orange strap is perfect to take you from day to a casual night. I’d pair it with Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress.

Clothes

Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress

I like the bauble-embellished neckline. It makes this simple dress look elegant. I’d wear it with the Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal.

Phoebe Couture Colorblack Lace Overlay Dress

Although the color of this dress is called ‘coral multi”, in my opinion I think the color on the top portion of the dress is very close to an orange shade. I like the contrast with pink color. Another nice thing about this dress is that it’s made of lace, which is in for Spring.

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Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube

03/04/2013 Shirley

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Cream

It has been about five months since the Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show launched in October. I am glad that the selected handbags from the collection finally arrived in stores. Please meet the new Speedy Cube, the reinvented iconic Speedy bag!

The size of Speedy Cube is different than the original Speedy (such as Speedy 25 and 30). The Speedy is usually longer in length and shorter in depth. The Speedy Cube is shorter in length and longer in depth. It is available in Speedy Cube PM (small) and MM (large). The PM also comes with a removable cross-body strap that can be adjusted in length.

If you watched Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show, you’d know that the Damier pattern was part of the main theme in the show. It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Speedy Cube from the collection has the Damier element in it. The Damier pattern on the Speedy Cube is called Damier Facette. It’s shiny calf leather embossed with the Damier (smaller pattern) in a structured shape, which is unlike the traditional Damier in soft canvas. The Speedy Cube PM ($1,990) is available in yellow and Speedy Cube MM ($2,280) is available in cream and camel colors. I have to say that the prices are a bargain for Louis Vuitton’s runway collection.

I think Speedy Cube PM is a bit too small for me. In my opinion, it is cute and would be ideal for petite women. Although the bag comes with a removable cross-body strap, it looks better if it is hand held. I like the Speedy Cube MM the best. The size is perfect for me. Unfortunately, it is not available in my favorite yellow color (only offered on Speedy Cube PM).

Both Speedy Cube PM and MM in Damier Facette are available online and in-store.

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices

12/28/2012 Shirley

With New Year’s Eve approaching, are you still looking for the perfect jewelry for the special celebration? Thanks to holiday sales, tons of jewelry are currently on sale (33% to 60% off). Here are my top ten picks, listed by the designer name in alphabetical order.

Alexander McQueen – Golden Skull Pendant Necklace

If you want to make a statement with accessories for your evening outfit, what can be more stunning than Alexander McQueen’s iconic skull necklace? This distinctive design is also available in a ring. The necklace is now $472 (original $525).

Buy Alexander McQueen – Golden Skull Pendant Necklace from Neiman Marcus

Alexander McQueen – Golden Snake & Skull Ring

The ring with snake head reminds me of Roberto Cavalli (which is well known for their animal prints and provocative designs). It will make a nice accessory for an evening of cocktails. It also available in a necklace. The ring is now $373 (original $412).

Alexis Bitter – Dust Small Hinged Bracelet

I am always fond of Alexi Bitter’s hand-painted bracelets with crystals. Among all the available colors, I like them in purple and blue the best. The bracelet is now $133.65 (original $190).

Lanvin – Heart Charm Necklace

This necklace with five multicolor heart charms with crystals will go especially well with short lace dresses such as Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress (which is on sale for $49 from Neiman Marcus). The necklace is now $1,118 (original $1598)

Marc by Marc Jacobs – Enamel-Coated Katie Thurnlock Bracelet, Pink

This signature Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet in pink will add some fun and color to your outfit. I would pair it with some light color dresses, such as the Crepet-Back Satin Dress by The Row. The bracelet is also available in rose gold. The bracelet is now $82 (original $118).

Rachel Zoe – Long Tassel-End Necklace, 54”L

I love this long tassel-end necklace. In my opinion, it adds a hint of sophistication to v-neck top and dresses. The necklace is now $604 (original $650)

Rachel Zoe – Love Me Knot Bracelet, Wide

This bracelet is made of 14-karat yellow gold plate and Swarovski crystals with love-knot hinges and is really one-of-a-kind. It’s perfect with black dresses. You can also wear it with Alice + Olivia’s Andrea Tweed-Skirt Dress. This bracelet is also available in a thinner band. The bracelet is now $292 (original $325)

Stephanie Anne – Malachite Pendant Necklace

This pendant necklace with 24-karate yellow gold and a malachite cabochon center will go especially well with light color dresses. I’d wear it with a strapless dress, such as Donna Morgan’s Shimmer Chiffon Dress. The necklace is now $591 (original $845).

Tasha Linear Earrings
This Tasha red multi/gold earrings are also available in green multi/gold, jet multi/gold, purple multi/gold, and topaz multi/gold colors. These are perfect with dresses for an evening out on the town. Also see Tasha Ornate Linear Statement Earrings. The earrings is now $32.16 (original $48).

Tory Burch – Tilsim Equestrian Charm Necklace

This is a fun necklace with various gold-plated and tortoiseshell-patterned charms. It will stand out with any scoop neck dress or top in a solid color. The necklace is $196.90 (original $295).

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Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags in Turquoise

11/25/2012 Shirley

Salvatore Ferragamo recently launched its handbags, wallets, and accessories in a new hue, turquoise (sky-blue). When I first saw Ferragamo handbags in turquoise it instantly reminded me of the Tiffany & Co. signature color. It’s an eye-catching hue, but I couldn’t image who would want to buy a “Tiffany branded bag” and carry it around. It’s like promoting the Tiffany brand with no commission!

After I saw the Fancy Leather Mini Shoulder Bag in turquoise, I have to admit I really like the color. The mini shoulder bag comes with a long silver chain and it looks the best in this light color versus in black (too plain) or red (nice but not as unique as turquoise). This bag can be used for both day (as a cross-body bag) and night (as a clutch with a short strap). The turquoise hue is also available in Ferragamo’s popular Gancini Icona Saffiano wallet, Afel Leather Envelope Clutch, and Sookie leather satchels. (See the pictures below.)

After seeing so many handbags and accessories in dark shades for the fall, it’s very refreshing to see something light for a change. The handbags and accessories Ferragamo launched in this new shade are proving to be very popular. The saleswomen in the local store told me that the items were sold immediately after they arrived. If you are interested in trying the Ferragamo handbags or wallets in the fabulous turquoise color, better get them soon before they run out for this holiday season!

FerragamoIn Handbags and Wallet in Turquoise — Ferragamo Handbags and Wallet in Turquoise

Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet (For more available colors, see the Ten Best Wallets for Fall post.)

Buy Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet from Nordstrom

Ferragamo Gancini Zip Around Wallet

Buy Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet from Nordstrom

Ferragamo Afel Leather Envelope Clutch

Ferragamo Fancy Mini Leather Shoulder Bag

Ferragamo Sookie Small Leather Satchel

Buy Ferragamo Sookie Small Leather Satchel from Nordstro

Ferragamo Sookie Medium Leather Satchel

Shirley Style

Tag Archives: Accessories

The Red Versatile Marc Jacobs Tote Bag for Spring

How a Small Gadget Can Change Our Behaviors

Personalize The Iconic Louis Vuitton Leather Goods

Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Rose Angelique

Jimmy Choo Spring 2013 Sale is Now On

Perfume is Part of My Fashion Outfit

Orange is the New Neutral for Spring 2013

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube

The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices

Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags in Turquoise

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